- Lidoderm® Lidocaine Cataplasms was approved for marketing in China in 2024, and its use for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) treatment has been supported by consensus in clinical practice guidelines both in China and abroad
- Leveraging the advantages of its original brand, the Product can form in-depth synergy with the Group’s existing products in terms of expert resources and marketing channels; meanwhile, the Group will actively develop diverse marketing models such as new retail, further accelerating the development of the out-of-hospital market
China Medical System Holdings Limited (the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) is pleased to announce that on 12 February 2026, the Group through subsidiaries of the Company entered into an exclusive distribution agreement (the “Agreement”) with Teikoku Pharma USA, Inc. (“TPU”, a subsidiary of Japan-based Teikoku Seiyaku Co., Ltd (“TSC”), collectively referred to as the “Cooperation Partner”) for Lidoderm® Lidocaine Cataplasms (the “Product”).
In accordance with the Agreement, the Group has obtained exclusive distribution rights for the Product within the People’s Republic of China (for the purpose of this Agreement, excluding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macau Special Administrative Region, and the Taiwan region, hereinafter referred to as the “Target Region”). The Cooperation Partner shall be responsible for the production and supply matters related to the Product. The initial term of this Agreement is ten years after the date of the Product’s first commercial sale within the Target Region, and shall be renewable thereafter according to the terms stipulated in the Agreement.
LIDODERM® LIDOCAINE CATAPLASMS
Lidocaine blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, reducing ectopic impulses in primary afferent nerves after injury, thereby alleviating pain in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). According to relevant studies, lidocaine patches act rapidly (within ≤4 hours), and in clinical studies lasting 4 to 12 weeks, approximately1/4 to 1/3 of patients experienced a ≥50% reduction in pain[1]. In 1999, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lidocaine patch 5% (trade name Lidoderm®) for the treatment of PHN. The product was approved for marketing in Europe under the trade name Versatis® in 2007, and was approved for marketing in China in 2024. The use of topical lidocaine cataplasms/patches for PHN treatment has been supported by consensus in clinical practice guidelines both in China and abroad. Based on its efficacy and safety in treating PHN, topical lidocaine cataplasms/patches are also recommended by relevant guidelines for treatment of other peripheral neuropathic pain conditions, such as diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP), and postoperative or post-traumatic neuropathic pain.
PHN is defined as pain persisting for one month or more after the healing of the Herpes Zoster (HZ) rash and is the most common complication of HZ. PHN is one of the most prevalent types of neuropathic pain, which may manifest as continuous pain or may recur after a period of remission[1]. The painful area typically extends beyond the original rash zone and commonly affects unilateral intercostal nerves, the trigeminal nerve (primarily the ophthalmic branch), or cervical nerves. The nature of the pain varies and may include burning, electric shock-like, stabbing, needling, or tearing sensations. One type of pain may predominate, or multiple types may coexist. The pain often interferes with sleep, mood, work, and daily activities, and in severe cases, can lead to psychiatric disorders and depression. Pain persists for over one year in 30% to 50% of patients, with some cases lasting 10 years or longer, and occasionally even for a lifetime[2]. The incidence and prevalence of PHN vary depending on definitions of pain duration and intensity. Meta-analysis data indicate an annual incidence rate of PHN ranging from 3.9 to 42.0 per 100,000 individuals. The annual incidence of HZ is approximately 3 to 5 per 1,000 individuals. PHN develops in approximately 9% to 34% of HZ patients. Both the incidence and prevalence of HZ and PHN tend to increase with age. PHN occurs in about 65% of HZ patients aged 60 and above, and this figure can reach 75% among those aged 70 and above. Relevant research data is lacking in China, but based on the aforementioned information, it is estimated that there are approximately 4 million PHN patients in China[1].
TPU
TPU is the subsidiary of TSC, developing innovative products across multiple therapeutic areas including pain management, central nervous system disorders, and dermatology. TSC has a long history dating back to a company founded by the Akazawa family in 1848. Headquartered in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, it maintains offices in Tokyo and Osaka. TSC’s capabilities encompass R&D, clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and commercialization. TSC pioneered the development of transdermal drug delivery systems and is one of the world’s largest hydrogel patch manufacturers and drug delivery companies. It currently produces over 200 prescription and over-the-counter products, marketed in more than 50 countries. TSC also manufactures oral and other topical formulations, with a therapeutic focus on pain management and dermatology.
REASONS FOR AND BENEFITS OF ENTERING INTO THE AGREEMENT
The Group continues to deepen its differentiated product portfolio. There is significant market demand for pain management and specialized PHN treatment, while existing oral medications still exhibit certain limitations regarding localized targeting and long-term medication safety. In the Chinese market, topical patches as a localized pain intervention method enjoy a broad recognition base, with consumers generally appreciating their direct, convenient, and transdermal treatment concept.
The introduction of this Product further enriches the product portfolio layout of the Group. Leveraging the advantages of its original brand, the Product can form in-depth synergy with the Group’s existing products in terms of expert resources and marketing channels. Meanwhile, the Group will actively develop diverse marketing models such as new retail, and fully build a holistic commercial ecosystem integrating in-hospital and out-of-hospital scenarios and linking online and offline channels. The addition of this Product will further drive the Group to accelerate the development of the out-of-hospital market, unlock the synergy-driven growth potential, and is expected to exert a positive impact on the Group’s operating performance.
Reference:
- Consensus Expert Group on Diagnosis and Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia. Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of postherpetic neuralgia [J]. Chinese Journal of Pain Medicine, 2016, 22(3): 161-167.doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-9852.2016.03.001.
- Consensus Workgroup on Herpes Zoster, China Dermatologist Association, National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases. Chinese consensus on the diagnosis and management of herpes zoster (2022) [J]. Chinese Journal of Dermatology, 2022, 55(12): 1033-1040.doi:10.35541/cjd.20220608.
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